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Synopsis

This unit examines aspects of contemporary Middle Eastern politics encompassing both the Arab and the non-Arab worlds. The political culture, development and processes of key countries will be analysed. Regional relationships and conflicts will be examined, including the ongoing Gulf Conflict, the Lebanon War, and the Arab-Israel conflict. The implications for wider international politics will also be considered.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this subject students will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, ethnic and religious diversity of the Middle East upon which contemporary political complexity is based.

Show an awareness of the major political cultures, structures, actors and issues in the contemporary Middle East.

Understand the causes of regional conflicts and the preconditions for their resolution, as well as the reasons for persistent authoritarianism and the prospects for political reform and democratisation.

Appreciate the major theories explaining Middle Eastern political realities.

Display an ability for political scrutiny, awareness of the broad range of sources and interpretations of Middle Eastern politics and a careful use of evidence and logical argumentation in discussing Middle Eastern issues.

Demonstrate a greater level of sophistication and independence in their engagement with sources and the questions which they pose.

Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the theoretical issues that underpin the course and an ability to formulate and develop an independent research question which is grounded in a reading and analysis of primary sources.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 55% + Exam: 45%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.